We're Number One! (Phoenix: homes, construction, elementary school)

[Ponderosa]

Revised 2005 census figures released today show Arizona was the fastest growing state in the nation in 2005 displacing Nevada from that position which it has held for 19 years. AZ grew by 3.6% and NV by 3.5%. Overall, Arizona added 213,311 people (almost 600 per day!), including about 32,000 "immigrants" and 130,000 people moving from other states.

That brings the population to more than 6.1 million and makes Arizona the 16th largest state, passing Maryland, Missouri, Tennessee and Wisconsin just since 2000.

Of course, this is not good news for those of us already here as all those new people don't translate into an improved quality of life by a long shot.

[Nea1]

Originally Posted by Ponderosa

Revised 2005 census figures released today show Arizona was the fastest growing state in the nation in 2005 displacing Nevada from that position which it has held for 19 years. AZ grew by 3.6% and NV by 3.5%. Overall, Arizona added 213,311 people (almost 600 per day!), including about 32,000 "immigrants" and 130,000 people moving from other states.

That brings the population to more than 6.1 million and makes Arizona the 16th largest state, passing Maryland, Missouri, Tennessee and Wisconsin just since 2000.

Of course, this is not good news for those of us already here as all those new people don't translate into an improved quality of life by a long shot.

Yea!!! Although my husband loves growth, he is in construction!!!!

[Steve-o]

I figured that was going to happen sooner or later. But the problem is that youre just going to have more pollution, more crime, more garbage, more traffic. Phoenix is too poorly planned to handle the influx. Its already a mess and will only get worse, mark my words. I cant imagine the strain the water supply is under.

[Ponderosa]

Originally Posted by Steve-o

I figured that was going to happen sooner or later. But the problem is that youre just going to have more pollution, more crime, more garbage, more traffic. Phoenix is too poorly planned to handle the influx. Its already a mess and will only get worse, mark my words. I cant imagine the strain the water supply is under.

I agree with you on everything but the water. Phoenix does have its act together on water supply issues.

[Ponderosa]

Originally Posted by Steve-o

Phoenix is too poorly planned to handle the influx.

How can any area plan for that kind of growth? 600 people a day is what, 200 homes a day, a new elementary school every couple days with 20 or more teachers, a super-market every couple weeks, a medical office a month, a hospital or two a year. It seems to defy the imagination much less management. Other states (TX, FL), mostly in the south, are seeing even more massive numbers. It is mind-boggling.

[sweattea]

Originally Posted by Ponderosa

Revised 2005 census figures released today show Arizona was the fastest growing state in the nation in 2005 displacing Nevada from that position which it has held for 19 years. AZ grew by 3.6% and NV by 3.5%. Overall, Arizona added 213,311 people (almost 600 per day!), including about 32,000 "immigrants" and 130,000 people moving from other states.

That brings the population to more than 6.1 million and makes Arizona the 16th largest state, passing Maryland, Missouri, Tennessee and Wisconsin just since 2000.

Of course, this is not good news for those of us already here as all those new people don't translate into an improved quality of life by a long shot.

Keep them coming I have to sell this house...........................

[Steve97415]

What's really amazing is that a lot of people are leaving Arizona, too -- over 500 per day -- so that the total influx is over 1,000 people a day. It's a strange kind of growth: there is a substantial net increase, but it is a very transitory population.

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by Steve97415

What's really amazing is that a lot of people are leaving Arizona, too -- over 500 per day -- so that the total influx is over 1,000 people a day. It's a strange kind of growth: there is a substantial net increase, but it is a very transitory population.

I agree. People go down there expecting to escape winter, only to be brutalized with sun and heat. Most return after a few years because they simply cant take it. Trust me, after 5 straight months of hot sun and no clouds, you really start to reconsider your moves. Ive known 4 families that left for AZ and then came crawling back not even 3 years later. The TRUE Zonies are the lifers, but theyre so few and far between that youll most likely never run into one down there. Ive YET to meet a lifer in my many visits.

[Ponderosa]

Originally Posted by Steve-o

I agree. People go down there expecting to escape winter, only to be brutalized with sun and heat. Most return after a few years because they simply cant take it. Trust me, after 5 straight months of hot sun and no clouds, you really start to reconsider your moves. Ive known 4 families that left for AZ and then came crawling back not even 3 years later. The TRUE Zonies are the lifers, but theyre so few and far between that youll most likely never run into one down there. Ive YET to meet a lifer in my many visits.

I've known an awful lot of people in my many years out here. Some tucked tail and went home or somewhere else in the first year or two. Of those who stayed a little longer, I know of very few people who have left Arizona and returned to where they came from. The ones that left take jobs in California, Florida, Alabama, Washington. As we have aged some left to be closer to where their children and grandchildren ended up. The heat probably claims a few, but most of us are smart enough to realize that humid summers and blizzard blown winters are not a better option. Jobs, a more relaxed life style, proximity to family, and recreational pursuits (fishing ) are more important than weather, at least to me.

That said, I do admit this is a hard place to grow roots. Even if you live here for decades like I have, you move around every few years to a new subdivision, shop in new places, and even have different friends. I wonder sometimes if our kids who have been born and raised here will have more of a sense of community than we did who came from somewhere else.

[Nea1]

Originally Posted by Ponderosa

I've known an awful lot of people in my many years out here. Some tucked tail and went home or somewhere else in the first year or two. Of those who stayed a little longer, I know of very few people who have left Arizona and returned to where they came from. The ones that left take jobs in California, Florida, Alabama, Washington. As we have aged some left to be closer to where their children and grandchildren ended up. The heat probably claims a few, but most of us are smart enough to realize that humid summers and blizzard blown winters are not a better option. Jobs, a more relaxed life style, proximity to family, and recreational pursuits (fishing ) are more important than weather, at least to me.

That said, I do admit this is a hard place to grow roots. Even if you live here for decades like I have, you move around every few years to a new subdivision, shop in new places, and even have different friends. I wonder sometimes if our kids who have been born and raised here will have more of a sense of community than we did who came from somewhere else.

I grew up and spent 32 years in the same place, no roots, friends all went there own way, We got bored and restless. I dont think it is like it used to be with our parents. I love moving and I know AZ will only be for 10 or so years and I am fine, looking forward to more adventure.